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Public invited to events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Valenciennes and honour Victoria Cross recipient Sergeant Hugh Cairns

News release

Saskatoon, SK – Veterans Affairs Canada invites you to a ceremony in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Valenciennes and to commemorate Canada’s last Victoria Cross recipient of the Hundred Days Offensive, Sergeant Hugh Cairns, V.C.

On the 100th anniversary of his death, we will honour Hugh Cairns with a commemorative event at the Sergeant Hugh Cairns V.C. Monument at Kinsmen Park. The event will include a wreath-laying ceremony with descendants of Hugh Cairns, dignitaries, school children, as well as 2019 Invictus Games athlete, Michael Richards.

Following the ceremony, an assembly will be held at the Hugh Cairns V.C. School where a traditional offering will be made by the Vincent Massey School (Indigenous) Drum Group as well as a musical performance from the school choir and speeches by students. Guests can also visit exhibits featuring displays by Canadian Armed Forces personnel, Veterans, and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers and #Canadas100days, or visit veterans.gc.ca/100days.